Fredrik Backman: A Man Called Ove

When I first read about this book on the front and back covers I thought it would be the sort of sentimental book that I would hate...the sort of book that would be described as 'heartwarming', 'uplifting' and 'you will laugh and cry'...the cinematic version of this type which would be described as 'an inspirational and heart-warming family film'.

I was wrong. Yes you do smile and you do feel sad but that is because it is enormously involving, the characters are rounded and real and I got totally involved in their lives. One is much more than the cliched figure the PR suggests and he is marvellously and sympathetically drawn.

I liked too the structure with it moving back and forward between past and present, often reflected in the tense variety used. Nicely sophisticated.

In terms of themes and ideas it touches on many..marriage, relationships, grief, copping with loss, emotional grow..and with all thoughtfully and touchingly done. So what was the verdict of the book group?